Fluid flow control valve equipped with a conical flap and system comprising such valve

ABSTRACT

A valve for controlling a fluid flow includes a valve body, a shutter component configured to be able to transition from an open position allowing the circulation of fluid, to a closed position preventing the circulation of fluid. The component is characterized in that it includes a fixed conical support integral with the valve body, a conjugate conical flap rotationally movable relative to the fixed support, and fluid passage apertures respectively arranged in the conical flap and in the fixed support, and an actuator of the shutter component adapted to be able to control the position of the shutter component.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Frenchpatent application number 1901253, filed on Feb. 8, 2019, the entireteachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a valve for controlling a fluid flow, inparticular an air flow. The invention relates in particular to aconical-shaped valve for controlling a fluid flow. The invention alsorelates to an air conditioning system for an aircraft cabin and to aventilation system comprising such a valve.

Description of the Related Art

An air-conditioning system for an aircraft cabin generally comprises adevice for collecting compressed air on at least one compressor of anaircraft propulsion engine (or an air collection device connected to ascoop of the aircraft) and an air-cycle turbine engine comprising atleast one compressor and one turbine, the compressor being supplied withair by the device for collecting compressed air, and the turbinecomprising an air outlet supplying the cabin at a controlled temperatureand flow rate. The air-conditioning system also includes various heatexchangers, control valves and a water extraction loop.

A fluid flow control valve is intended to control the flow rate of aircirculating in the air flow duct equipped with this control valve.

Such a valve can be used, in particular, in air conditioning systems tocontrol air flows in aircraft cabins or in air ventilation systems ofaircraft engines.

Also, a valve needs to be used that has a structure making it possibleto have a passage section allowing the circulation of air while ensuringan optimal seal to avoid air leaks.

To address these two constraints, one of the solutions currentlyimplemented is to use a butterfly type valve, which has a shuttercomponent in the form of a valve adapted to allow the shutter componentto open and close. The shutter component is mounted on an axisperpendicular to the flow and passes through the valve body so as to bemechanically connected to an actuator, for example, arranged outside thevalve, in order to be able to control the shutter component. Since thebutterfly axis crosses the valve body, this implies deploying complexmeans to manage any leaks at the bearing of this axis. Most of the time,these valves are controlled by an electric, electropneumatic, pneumaticor hydraulic actuator, which allows the shutter component to move tocontrol the air flow.

The flow rate of fluid circulating in the valve can be significant. Tothis end, a butterfly type valve is known to be used in order to allowfluid to pass with a high flow rate and pressure. However, this type ofvalve comprises, on the one hand, a butterfly making it possible toobtain a half-moon opening section, the circulation of the fluid istherefore disrupted by the presence of the butterfly. On the other hand,the movement of the butterfly cannot be achieved quickly and thereforethe variation of the fluid passage section is slowed down.

Another solution could be to use an axial flap valve having an axis ofrotation in the axis of the fluid flow. However, in view of thedifficulty in actuating such an axial flap, this type of valve is notwidespread.

As such, the invention aims to obtain a control valve having a fluidpassage section equivalent to that of a butterfly valve, while allowinga variation in the fluid passage section and ensuring complete sealingof the valve.

Objectives of the Invention

The invention intends to provide a valve for controlling a fluid flow,in particular, an air flow, that overcomes at least some of thedisadvantages of known solutions.

The invention relates in particular to a fluid flow control valve makingit possible to obtain a passage section equivalent to a passage sectionobtained with a butterfly valve in the circulation channel of a valve.

The invention also intends to provide a fluid flow control valve withimproved sealing.

The invention also intends to provide, in at least one embodiment, afluid flow control valve allowing rapid variation of the passage sectionof the fluid circulating in the circulation channel.

The invention also intends to provide, in at least one embodiment, afluid flow control valve, the actuation of said valve being accomplishedwithout contact.

The invention also intends to provide an air-conditioning systemequipped with a control valve according to the invention.

The invention also intends to provide a ventilation system equipped witha control valve according to the invention.

Finally, the invention intends to provide an air or rail transportvehicle equipped with an air-conditioning system or a ventilation systemaccording to the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the invention relates, in its broadest sense, to a fluidflow control valve comprising:

a valve body comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluidcirculation channel that extends in a direction, called axial direction,between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet,

a shutter component arranged in said fluid circulation channel andconfigured to transition from an open position, allowing the circulationof fluid in said circulation channel between the fluid inlet and thefluid outlet or vice versa, to a closed position, preventing thecirculation of fluid in the circulation channel between the fluid inletand the fluid outlet or vice versa,

an actuator of said shutter component adapted to control the position ofsaid shutter component in said fluid circulation channel.

A valve according to the invention is characterized in that said shuttercomponent comprises:

a conical fixed support integral with the valve body and having a tiporiented towards said fluid inlet of said valve body,

a conjugate conical flap, rotationally movable relative to the fixedsupport and having a tip oriented towards said fluid inlet of said valvebody,

at least one fluid passage aperture arranged in said conical flap and atleast one conjugate fluid passage aperture arranged in said fixedsupport so as to allow the circulation of fluid through said shuttercomponent when said apertures are facing one another and defining saidopen position,

a gasket seal axially arranged between said conical flap and saidconical fixed support, and

means for spontaneous axial movement of the conical flap against thefixed support, which means comprise at least one spring configured toallow the conical flap to be kept away from the fixed support when saidshutter component is in said open position or in an intermediateposition, and to be compressed when said shutter component is in saidclosed position, so as to allow an axial movement of said flap thatcompresses said gasket seal.

The valve according to the invention therefore exhibits theparticularity of implementing a shutter component having a conical flapmovably mounted on a conjugate conical fixed support, each comprisingfluid passage apertures able to have fluid passage sections equivalentto those of a butterfly valve. In addition, these passage sectionsenable linearization of the circulation of a fluid in said circulationchannel. To this end, the conical flap mounted to be movable in rotationon its fixed support and the fixed support are both formed by a wall ofconical shape crossed by fluid passage apertures.

In other words, the conical-shaped shutter component has a tip orientedtowards the fluid inlet of said valve body, so that the fluid enteringthrough the fluid inlet first passes through the apertures of theconical flap, then through the apertures of the fixed support, beforeexiting by the fluid outlet of said valve body, when the shuttercomponent is in the open position.

The invention is described throughout the text taking into considerationthat the fluid passes through the valve from upstream to downstream ofsaid fluid inlet towards said fluid outlet. This notwithstanding,nothing prevents the use of the valve according to the invention,providing that it is supplied with fluid through said fluid outlet insuch a manner that the fluid exits the valve, after having passedthrough the shutter component, via said fluid inlet. In other words, thevalve according to the invention can be bidirectional and said fluidinlet and said fluid outlet can, depending on the applications, form aneffective fluid inlet or outlet.

Preferably, when the fluid exits the valve, after passing through theshutter component, via said fluid inlet, the flap is mounted on thesupport so that the fluid entering via the fluid outlet first passesthrough the apertures of the conical flap, then through the apertures ofthe fixed support, before exiting through the fluid inlet of said valvebody, when the shutter component is in the open position.

The control of the fluid by the valve according to the invention isenabled by the presence of a shutter component, which exhibits at leastone first position, called open position, allowing the circulation ofthe fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet of the valve body (orvice versa), and at least one second position, called closed position,in which the shutter component prevents the circulation of the fluid inthe circulation channel between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet (orvice versa).

In the position, called open position, the circulation of the fluidthrough the fluid passage apertures can be at its maximum. In theposition, called closed position, the fluid is blocked by the respectivewalls of the conical flap and of the fixed support, which prevents anycirculation of fluid through the shutter component.

Said conical flap and said fixed support are respectively formed of awall, in which passage apertures are provided. Thus, the aperturesdefine the passage section through which the fluid can circulate and thewalls define a means of impeding the free circulation of the fluid. Whenthe walls of the conical flap obstruct the fluid passage apertures ofthe fixed support, the passage of the fluid is blocked in the fluidcirculation channel.

All the intermediate positions allow the flow rate of fluid within thefluid circulation channel to be controlled.

When the passage apertures are partially arranged opposite each other,partial passage sections are formed, thereby enabling control of thefluid flow rate between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet (or viceversa). These positions correspond to the intermediate positions of theshutter component.

The passage apertures respectively arranged on said conical flap and onsaid fixed support have a particular structure adapted to the conicalshape. Placing the respective apertures of the conical flap and of thefixed support in front of one another makes it possible to free up anaxial-radial passage section, through which the fluid can circulatefreely when the shutter component is in the open or an intermediateposition.

In other words, the conical configuration of the shutter component makesit possible to define sections of fluid passages equivalent to those ofa butterfly valve and therefore makes it possible to generate a morelinear circulation of fluid (relative to the butterfly), especially whenthe flow rate is high. The fluid thus circulates in a generally linearmanner without being diverted towards the axis of the valve.

In addition, the fluid passage sections formed by the apertures of theshutter component can have different geometric shapes. Preferably, thepassage sections have a triangular shape, more precisely an isoscelestriangle with the tip oriented towards the fluid inlet of the valvebody.

The control of the opening/closing of the shutter component, and as aconsequence of the alignment of the passage apertures of said conjugateflap and support with one another, makes it possible to control the flowrate of the flow passing through the valve.

The valve according to the invention also advantageously makes itpossible to define a safety position of the valve. To this end, thegeometry of the conical flap can be defined so as to create anaerodynamic rotation torque, which causes the spontaneous tilting ofsaid flap in a preferred position, called safety position, in theabsence of a command from the actuator. This safety position cancorrespond, depending on the applications, to the open position, theclosed position or any intermediate position. This advantageous variantmakes it possible to guarantee, simply by the geometry of the conicalflap, that the flap spontaneously moves towards the safety position,when a problem such as a failure of the actuator of said conical flapoccurs.

According to the invention, the actuator is configured to allow theshutter component to be moved and thus the fluid flow rate to becontrolled. This actuator itself can be controlled by a control unitconfigured to set the position of the shutter component in the fluidcirculation channel.

According to the invention, the sealing of said control valve is ensuredby a gasket seal and the means for spontaneous axial movement of theconical flap against the conical fixed support. The gasket seal isarranged between the conical flap and the fixed support and extends fromthe tip of the fixed support to its distal end integral to the valvebody.

Consequently, when the shutter component is in the closed position, thefluid exerts a force against said conical flap, which causes it to bepressed against said fixed support, on which it is mounted, and thusforces the flap to be fixedly held against said support, therebyimproving the sealing of the shutter component.

According to a variant of the invention, the seal can be directlyfastened to the walls of the fixed support. According to another variantof the invention, it can be fastened to the walls of the conical flap.Preferably, the seal is fastened to the walls of the support to remainset during the rotation of the flap and to avoid being set in motion.The means for axial movement of the flap comprise at least one springintegral with the flap that exhibits a certain determined stiffness inorder to guarantee the axial movement necessary to allow the conicalflap to be kept away from the fixed support when the shutter componentis in said open position or in an intermediate position, and to ensurecompression of said seal between the flap and the support when saidshutter component is in said closed position. During the rotation of theflap, the presence of the spring makes it possible to create a spacingbetween the flap and the support to avoid friction of the gasket sealwhen the flap rotates. This spacing also makes it possible to avoidfriction of the flap against the seal and consequently to protect theseal from accelerated wear.

During the rotation of the conical flap from the open position to theclosed position, while passing through an intermediate position, theflap is gradually subjected to the aerodynamic pressure of the fluidpassing through the apertures of the flap and pressing on the walls ofthe conical flap.

In the closed position, the fluid flow exerts a force against the flapthat causes the axial movement of the flap against its support andensures the compression of the gasket seal.

The actuator of the shutter component therefore forces the flap toovercome the friction caused by the seal that transforms into aresistive torque.

To limit the torque resistance, means for spontaneous axial movement ofthe conical flap against the fixed support make it possible to ensurecomplete and axial sealing when the flap is in the closed position.These means are integral to the flap at the distal end of the flap.

In addition, the spacing provided between the flap and the support makesit easier to rotate the flap relative to the support. The seal housed inthis spacing undergoes attenuated compression during rotation, whichcauses a reduction in friction. Therefore, the gasket seal is notcompressed or is only slightly compressed and improves the rotation ofthe flap when moving from the closed position to the open position andvice versa.

A valve according to the invention can be implemented to control anytype of fluid, in particular air, oil, fuel, and in general any type offluid the flow rate of which must be controlled, for example, within anaeronautical, railway or automobile application.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said conical flap andsaid fixed support each respectively comprise an odd number of regularlydistributed fluid passage apertures.

An odd number of fluid passage apertures allows the distribution offorces to be improved and the antagonistic forces exerted by the fluidflow on the flap and the support to be limited.

The passage apertures are preferably evenly distributed on said flap andsaid support in order to allow a homogeneous passage of fluid in thecirculation channel.

According to this variant, the passage apertures of said flap and ofsaid support are arranged in a uniform and identical manner on theconjugate flap and support.

There can be any number of air passage apertures. For example, there isnothing to prevent the provision of a shutter component equipped with asingle aperture or with N apertures, where N is any predeterminedinteger, preferably greater than or equal to 3, for example, 5. Theinterval in which a fluid can circulate defines the angular range of theapertures.

According to this variant, there are 5 of said apertures, so that theangular range of the apertures forms an angle of 36°.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said valve also has atleast one axis of symmetry that extends along the axial direction fromsaid tip of the fixed support and an angle α defining an inclination ofsaid apertures of the conical flap and of the fixed support with respectto said axis of symmetry of the valve, said angle α being less than orequal to 30°.

According to this variant, the inclination of said axial-radialapertures allows the fluid to pass through the shutter component in agenerally linear manner. In other words, the fluid circulating in thecirculation channel is hardly disrupted by the presence of the conicalshutter component and therefore the direction of the fluid is virtuallyunchanged and remains linear.

This configuration thus makes it possible to maintain a linearity in themovement of the fluid and therefore to ensure fluid circulation that isnot disrupted by the presence of the shutter component.

When considering a flat flap perpendicular to the axis of the valvecomprising 5 apertures each having an angular range of 36°, the maximumopening section of the valve is equivalent to 180°, which corresponds tohalf of the circulation channel of the valve.

The surface of an aperture in a flat flap is defined by the surface S1and the surface of an aperture in a conical flap, as described by theinvention, is defined by the surface S2. It is thus possible todetermine that the surface S2 is equal to the ratio of the surface S1 bythe sine of the angle α (S2=S1/sin(α)). Considering an angle α of 30°,the sine of the angle α is equal to 0.5. It is therefore possible todetermine the relationship S2=S1/sin(30) and therefore S2=S1*2. Thesurface S2 of an aperture in a conical flap (with an angle of 30°) istherefore equal to twice the surface S1 of an aperture in a flat flapperpendicular to the axis of symmetry.

Since the opening of the 5 apertures in a flat flap corresponds to halfof the circulation channel and since the area S2 of a conical apertureis equal to twice the area S1 of an aperture in a flat flap, the openingof 5 conical apertures allows provision of the section of the whole ofthe valve circulation channel.

Preferably, said shutter component comprises 5 fluid passage apertureshaving an angular range of 36° and an angle α of 30°.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said actuator comprisescontactless actuation means of said shutter component.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said contactlessactuation means of said shutter component are electromagnetic means ormagnetic means housed outside the fluid circulation channel.

According to this variant, said contactless actuation means allow theshutter component to move and therefore the fluid to be controlled whilebeing housed outside the valve body. The actuation of the shuttercomponent is therefore simplified by means of a magnetic orelectromagnetic drive.

The use of contactless magnetic or electromagnetic means thus makes itpossible to dispense with the management of fluid losses by allowingcontactless control between said actuator and said shutter component.

According to this variant, positioning the actuator outside the bodyalso makes it possible to avoid leaks of fluid circulating in thecirculation channel and therefore to improve the sealing of said flowcontrol valve.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said electromagneticmeans comprise at least one stator winding and said conical flapcomprises permanent magnets.

According to this variant, said electromagnetic means make it possible,by means of a stator winding arranged on said valve body, to control therotation of the conical flap fitted with permanent magnets bycontrolling the current supplying this stator winding.

Thus, the use of such electromagnetic means eliminates the need of apass through of the valve body to connect the actuator to the shuttercomponent.

The electromagnetic means thus make it possible to avoid being in directcontact with the conical flap and consequently to improve the sealing ofthe valve.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said magnetic meanscomprise a magnetic ring provided with permanent magnets extendingaround the valve body, said magnetic ring being adapted to be driven inrotation by an electric motor, and said conical flap includes permanentmagnets adapted to interact with said permanent magnets of said magneticring, allowing its rotation.

According to this variant, said magnetic means make it possible, via anelectric motor and a magnetic ring, to control the rotation of the flapwithout contact between said flap and said magnetic means.

In addition, said electric motor drives the rotation of a shaft thatsupports a gear wheel. The periphery of the magnetic ring is providedwith gear teeth, on which the toothed wheel meshes.

The magnetic ring and the conical flap each comprise permanent magnetson their circumference, which are arranged symmetrically, so that whenthe magnetic ring is rotated by the electric motor, this causes therotation of the flap by the attraction of the magnetic magnets mountedon the ring and on the flap.

The movement of the magnetic ring by the electric motor allows therotation of the flap by means of the magnetic attraction of the magnetsarranged respectively on the ring and the flap. The movement of the flapcauses the shutter component to close or open.

According to this variant, the sealing is improved by virtue of the lackof contact between said magnetic means and the shutter component. Inaddition, this configuration allows easy access to the magnetic means,which facilitates their possible maintenance.

According to this variant, said flap and said ring exhibit a pluralityof permanent magnets. The number of permanent magnets can vary dependingon the type of valve. Preferably, an even number of magnets ispreferred, for example, 2, 4 or 6 magnets.

According to this variant, the symmetrical configuration of the magneticdrive also makes it possible to act on the flap as a magnetic bearing,thus making it possible to attenuate the vibrations of said flap whenthe valve is subjected to vibrational excitation, which is the case, forexample, for aeronautical applications.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said valve furthercomprises at least one contactless Hall effect sensor making it possibleto measure a variation in magnetic field in order to obtain a change instate of the limit switch signal.

Such a Hall effect sensor arranged in the valve body advantageouslymakes it possible to provide the valve with a limit switch detectionfunctionality.

The invention also relates to an air-conditioning system for an air orrail transport vehicle comprising at least one air control valveaccording to the invention.

The advantages of such a control valve according to the invention applymutatis mutandis to an air-conditioning system according to theinvention.

The invention also relates to an air or rail transport vehiclecomprising at least one propulsion engine, a cabin and at least oneair-conditioning system for said cabin, characterized in that the airconditioning system of the cabin is the air conditioning systemaccording to the invention.

The advantages of an air-conditioning system according to the inventionapply mutatis mutandis to an air or rail transport vehicle according tothe invention.

The invention also relates to a valve, an air conditioning system, aventilation system and an air or rail transport vehicle, characterizedin combination by all or some of the features mentioned above or below.

LIST OF FIGURES

Further aims, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description, which is providedsolely by way of non-limiting example, and which refers to theaccompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve according to oneembodiment of the invention, illustrating the shutter component in theclosed position.

FIG. 2b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve according to oneembodiment of the invention, illustrating the shutter component in theopen position.

FIG. 3a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shutter componentaccording to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating the sealingmeans in the closed position.

FIG. 3b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shutter componentaccording to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating the sealingmeans in the open position.

FIG. 4a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve according to oneembodiment of the invention, illustrating the shutter component in theopen position, controlled by an electromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 4b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve according to FIG.4a , illustrating the device for controlling a valve by theelectromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 5a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve according to oneembodiment of the invention, illustrating the shutter component in theopen position, controlled by a magnetic actuator.

FIG. 5b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve according to FIG.5a , illustrating the device for controlling a valve by the magneticactuator.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an aircraft according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

For the sake of illustration and clarity, the scales and proportions arenot strictly adhered to in the figures. Throughout the followingdetailed description, with reference to the figures, unless otherwiseindicated, each element of the valve is described as it is arranged whensaid conical flap is rotationally movable on a fixed support in thevalve body and is controlled by an actuator arranged outside the valvebody.

The terms “axial” and “radial” are used with reference to the axialdirection, which is defined by the direction of the fluid circulationchannel extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of thevalve body.

In addition, identical, similar or analogous elements are denoted usingthe same reference signs throughout the figures.

Throughout the following description, the control valve described is avalve of an air-conditioning system of an aircraft. However, in otherembodiments, the valve can be a control valve for a fluid other than airand can be provided in systems other than air-conditioning systems.

In addition, the valve is described taking into consideration that theair passes through the valve from upstream to downstream from the airinlet towards the air outlet. That being said, nothing prevents thevalve from being used in anticipation of providing it with air throughsaid air outlet, so that the air exits the valve, after having passedthrough the shutter component, through said air inlet. In other words,the valve according to the invention can be used bidirectionally.

As shown in FIG. 1, a valve 10 according to the invention comprises avalve body comprising a casing 20, a shutter component 30 and anelectric actuator 50 of the shutter component that is arranged outsidesaid valve body.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b , said valve 10 comprises an air inlet21, an air outlet 22, an air circulation channel 23, which extendsbetween the air inlet and outlet in an axial direction 24. Said shuttercomponent 30 extends in the axial direction 24 and is arranged in saidair circulation channel 23.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 5b , the shutter component 30 comprises aconical flap 32 mounted movably in rotation on a fixed conjugate conicalsupport 31. The conical flap 32 comprises a tip 32 a arranged towardsthe air inlet in the circulation channel. The tip 32 a is borne by abearing 31 a of the fixed support 32 that also forms an axial stop. Therotation of the tip 32 a of the movable flap 32 on the bearing 31 a ofthe support 31 is obtained, for example, by means of a ball bearing or aneedle roller and cage assembly, not shown in the figures for the sakeof clarity.

The air circulation is ensured by the presence of the air passageapertures 33 a, 33 b, respectively arranged on said flap 32 and saidsupport 31. Given the conical shape of the shutter component, theapertures 33 a, 33 b form axial-radial air passage cross-sections, whichallow fluid communication to be established between the air inlet 21 andthe air outlet 22 of the valve when they are placed opposite one anotherby rotation of the movable flap 32 on the fixed support 31.

In FIG. 2a , the shutter component is in the closed position and the airis blocked by the shutter component by the overlap of the walls of theflap 32 on the apertures 33 b of the support 31. According to thisembodiment, the walls of the flap 32 can be bigger than the apertures 31b of the support.

In FIG. 2b , the shutter component is in the open position and the airpasses through the apertures 33 a, 33 b of the air passage. This aircirculation through the air passages is schematically represented by thedashed arrows.

According to one embodiment and as illustrated by FIGS. 3a and 3b , thevalve 10 comprises sealing means 40 arranged between the flap 32 and thesupport 31. For the sake of clarity, the sealing means 40 are not shownin FIGS. 2a, 2b, 4a to 5 b.

As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b , a gasket seal 41 is arranged between saidflap 32 and the support 31 for sealing over the entire length of theshutter component when said component is in the closed position. Theseal 41 extends from the tip of the shutter component to its distal end.

According to this embodiment, the seal 41 is fastened to the walls ofthe support 31 so as to remain set during the rotation of the flap. Forexample, the seal can be a bonded silicone seal, but other materialsallowing sealing can be contemplated, depending on the type ofapplication and the type of fluid passing through the shutter component.

When the shutter component 30 is in the open position, a spacing ismaintained between the flap 32 and the support 31 through the presenceof a spring 43. This spacing corresponds to a gap for promoting therotation of the flap 32 on the support 31, while preventing the seal 41fastened on the conical flap 32 from rubbing against the fixed support31.

In addition to the gasket seal 41, means 42 for spontaneous axialmovement of the conical flap 32 contribute to improve the sealing of theshutter component.

These means 42 comprise a spring 43 bearing on a support washer 44,which rests on a graphite segment 45. These means 42 are integral to theflap 32 at the distal end. The support washer 44 makes it possible tolimit the friction of the spring 43 on the graphite segment 45. Thespring 43 can be compressed when the shutter component is in the closedposition, as shown in FIG. 3a . It can also be uncompressed and thuskeep the flap 32 away from its support 31 when the shutter component isin the open position, as shown in FIG. 3 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 3a , the shutter component is in the closedposition and said walls of said flap 32 overlap the apertures 33 b ofthe support 31 so as to prevent the passage of air. Furthermore, the aircirculating in the circulation channel exerts a force against the flap32, which causes the axial movement of the flap 32 towards the fixedsupport, compressing the spring 43, and ensures the compression of thegasket seal 41 against the fixed support. The stiffness of the spring 43is selected to allow axial movement of the conical flap 32 when thevalve is in the closed position.

As illustrated in FIG. 3b , the shutter component 30 is in the openposition and the passage of air through the passage apertures 33 a, 33 bis authorized. In this position, the spring 43 is not compressed and itforms a gap between the flap and the support. The gasket seal 41 ishoused in this gap and is not compressed.

When the shutter component 30 passes from the open position to theclosed position, the rotation of the flap 32 is controlled by anactuator 50.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the actuation of the conicalflap is ensured by means of permanent magnets. These permanent magnets51 are arranged at the distal end of the flap 32. They are preferablyintegral with the graphite segment 45.

FIGS. 4a to 5b schematically illustrate the operating principle of anactuator 50 for controlling a shutter component 30 of a valve accordingto one embodiment of the invention. For the sake of clarity, the sealingmeans 40 are not shown in these Figs.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b , the shuttercomponent is controlled by contactless electromagnetic means 60 to movethe flap 32 and thus ensure the movement of the shutter component 30from the open position to the closed position and vice versa.

FIG. 4a illustrates a valve controlled by contactless electromagneticmeans 60, the shutter component 30 being in the open position allowingthe circulation of air.

As shown in FIG. 4b , the electromagnetic actuator is formed of twocoils 62 mounted on the valve body outside the valve. The flap 32comprises, on its distal part, a magnetic yoke 63, on which permanentmagnets 61 are mounted. Thus, the yoke optimizes the induced torque. Themagnets 61 can assume the form of tiles and exhibit an alternatingpolarity on an angular arc that is sufficient to achieve full opening ofthe valve. The two coils 62 perform the phase A and phase B functions ofa bipolar stepper type motor and the flap 32 is used as a flap of thestepper type motor. When the coils 62 are crossed by a current, themagnets 61 orient themselves according to the magnetic field generatedby the coils 62 and drive the movement of the flap 32 to allow theopening or closing of the shutter component 30.

According to this embodiment, the magnetic tiles can also form means foraxial movement of the conical flap through a magnetic twist of thetiles.

According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b , the actuatoris a magnetic type actuator 70 arranged outside the valve body 20.

FIG. 5a illustrates a valve controlled by a magnetic actuator 70 and theshutter component 30 of which is in the open position allowing thecirculation of air.

As illustrated in FIG. 5a , the magnetic actuator 70 is formed by anelectric motor 75 comprising a pinion meshed on a toothed wheel 74 inorder to move the magnetic ring 72 on which permanent magnets 71 arearranged. The flap 32 comprises, on its distal part, a magnetic yoke 73,on which permanent magnets 71 are arranged. The magnetic ring 72 and theflap 32 respectively comprise four permanent magnets distributedsymmetrically so as to carry out the drive by magnetic attractionbetween opposite poles of the magnets. The starting of the electricmotor 75 drives the movement of the magnetic ring 72 and, consequently,the movement of the permanent magnets 71 borne by this magnetic ring.This movement of the magnets causes the flap 32 to rotate, whichtherefore determines the opening and closing of the shutter component.

According to another embodiment not shown in the figures, the magneticactuator arranged outside the valve body can be an electric motor thatrotates a magnetic endless screw using a toothed wheel. The magnets ofthe endless screw are arranged along a helix that runs around the entirecircumference of the endless screw. The flap 32 comprises, at its distalend, a magnetic yoke 53, on which permanent magnets 61 are mounted.

The magnets used in this type of application can be samarium-cobaltmagnets, making it possible to withstand high temperatures of the orderof 260° C.

The various embodiments presented above make it possible to obtaincontactless drive by an electromagnetic or magnetic actuator and thusensure optimum sealing of the valve.

The invention is not limited solely to the embodiments described. Inparticular, according to another embodiment, the conical flap can becontrolled with contact between the flap and the actuator. According tothis embodiment, the flap is devoid of permanent magnets and onlycomprises a toothed wheel, driven directly by the pinion of the motorarranged outside the valve body. Other solutions can be contemplated toensure the drive of a conical flap on a fixed support and thus form avalve according to the invention.

1. A valve for controlling a fluid flow comprising: a valve bodycomprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid circulation channel,which extends in a direction, called axial direction, between said fluidinlet and said fluid outlet, a shutter component arranged in said fluidcirculation channel and configured to be able to transition from an openposition allowing fluid to circulate in said circulation channel betweenthe fluid inlet and the fluid outlet or vice versa, to a closed positionpreventing fluid from circulating in the circulation channel between thefluid inlet and the fluid outlet or vice versa, an actuator of saidshutter component adapted to be able to control the position of saidshutter component in said fluid circulation channel characterized inthat said shutter component comprises: a fixed conical support integralwith the valve body and having a tip oriented towards said fluid inletof said valve body, a conjugate conical flap rotationally movablerelative to the fixed support and having a tip oriented towards saidfluid inlet of said valve body, at least one fluid passage aperturearranged in said conical flap and at least one conjugate fluid passageaperture arranged in said fixed support so as to allow fluid tocirculate through said shutter component when said apertures areopposite one another and defining said open position, a gasket sealaxially arranged between said conical flap and said fixed conicalsupport, and means for spontaneous axial movement of the conical flapagainst the fixed support, which means comprise at least one springconfigured to allow the conical flap to be kept away from the fixedsupport when said shutter component is in said open position or in anintermediate position and to be compressed when said shutter componentis in said closed position, so as to allow axial movement of said flapthat compresses said gasket seal.
 2. The fluid flow control valveaccording to claim 1, characterized in that said conical flap and saidfixed support each respectively comprise an odd number of evenlydistributed fluid passage apertures.
 3. The fluid flow control valveaccording to claim 1, characterized in that it further has at least oneaxis of symmetry that extends along the axial direction from said tip ofthe fixed support and an angle α defining an incline of said aperturesof the conical flap and of the support fastened relative to said axis ofsymmetry of the valve, said angle α being less than or equal to 30°. 4.The fluid flow control valve according to claim 1, characterized in thatsaid actuator comprises contactless actuation means of said shuttercomponent.
 5. The fluid flow control valve according to claim 4,characterized in that said contactless actuation means of said shuttercomponent comprise electromagnetic means or magnetic means housedoutside the fluid circulation channel.
 6. The fluid flow control valveaccording to claim 5, characterized in that said electromagnetic meanscomprise at least one stator winding and said conical flap comprisespermanent magnets.
 7. The fluid flow control valve according to claim 5,characterized in that said magnetic means comprise an electric motormounted on a magnetic ring provided with magnets and said conical flapcomprises magnets.
 8. An air-conditioning system for an air or railtransport vehicle, the system comprising: an air-conditioner; and, anair control valve controlling passage of air in the air-conditioner, thevalve comprising: a valve body comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet,a fluid circulation channel, which extends in a direction, called axialdirection, between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet, a shuttercomponent arranged in said fluid circulation channel and configured tobe able to transition from an open position allowing fluid to circulatein said circulation channel between the fluid inlet and the fluid outletor vice versa, to a closed position preventing fluid from circulating inthe circulation channel between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet orvice versa, an actuator of said shutter component adapted to be able tocontrol the position of said shutter component in said fluid circulationchannel characterized in that said shutter component comprises: a fixedconical support integral with the valve body and having a tip orientedtowards said fluid inlet of said valve body, a conjugate conical flaprotationally movable relative to the fixed support and having a tiporiented towards said fluid inlet of said valve body, at least one fluidpassage aperture arranged in said conical flap and at least oneconjugate fluid passage aperture arranged in said fixed support so as toallow fluid to circulate through said shutter component when saidapertures are opposite one another and defining said open position, agasket seal axially arranged between said conical flap and said fixedconical support, and means for spontaneous axial movement of the conicalflap against the fixed support, which means comprise at least one springconfigured to allow the conical flap to be kept away from the fixedsupport when said shutter component is in said open position or in anintermediate position and to be compressed when said shutter componentis in said closed position, so as to allow axial movement of said flapthat compresses said gasket seal.
 9. An air or rail transport vehiclecomprising at least one propulsion engine, a cabin and at least oneair-conditioning system for said cabin, characterized in that theair-conditioning system for the cabin comprises an air control valvecomprising: a valve body comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, afluid circulation channel, which extends in a direction, called axialdirection, between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet, a shuttercomponent arranged in said fluid circulation channel and configured tobe able to transition from an open position allowing fluid to circulatein said circulation channel between the fluid inlet and the fluid outletor vice versa, to a closed position preventing fluid from circulating inthe circulation channel between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet orvice versa, an actuator of said shutter component adapted to be able tocontrol the position of said shutter component in said fluid circulationchannel characterized in that said shutter component comprises: a fixedconical support integral with the valve body and having a tip orientedtowards said fluid inlet of said valve body, a conjugate conical flaprotationally movable relative to the fixed support and having a tiporiented towards said fluid inlet of said valve body, at least one fluidpassage aperture arranged in said conical flap and at least oneconjugate fluid passage aperture arranged in said fixed support so as toallow fluid to circulate through said shutter component when saidapertures are opposite one another and defining said open position, agasket seal axially arranged between said conical flap and said fixedconical support, and means for spontaneous axial movement of the conicalflap against the fixed support, which means comprise at least one springconfigured to allow the conical flap to be kept away from the fixedsupport when said shutter component is in said open position or in anintermediate position and to be compressed when said shutter componentis in said closed position, so as to allow axial movement of said flapthat compresses said gasket seal.